The opening day of England's Lord's Test against Pakistan reportedly came close to a political interruption following a television interview with the sons of Imran Khan. The former cricket captain and Pakistan prime minister has been imprisoned in the country for the past three years.
Sky Sports screened a conversation between Michael Atherton and Khan’s adult sons, Suleiman and Kasim, during the lunch interval on Thursday. The pair reportedly aired concerns over their father’s safety and treatment, and criticised the UK Government’s response.
Cricinfo reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to halt its players taking the field for the afternoon session. The Guardian indicated that a formal complaint was issued to the broadcaster. Despite these suggestions, Pakistan resumed on schedule after the lunch break.